Since the “76ers for sale” rumors started flying around the internet this past spring, there’s been only one person we’ve been waiting to hear from — billionaire Joshua Harris.

For months we have heard nothing from Harris in the media and our repeated requests for interview time went unanswered.

Well, yesterday was the big day, as Harris and new 76ers CEO Adam Aron finally stepped into the Philadelphia spotlight. As the press conference was about to begin I literally had goosebumps. The 76ers were about to launch a new era in which they will be owned by a billionaire and some of his pals who will be laser focused on the 76ers. Philadunkia nation was about to get it’s own Mark Cuban or Mikhail Prokhorov. I was smiling ear to ear as the Sixers would no longer be Ed Snider’s second favorite son.

Then the press conference began and my smile was soon wiped away.

Yes Harris and Aron said all the right things — as most very successful businessmen have been trained to do in a public speaking setting. And there was some positive news — Ed Stefanski is out. But let’s be honest — there was no pop, no sizzle, and overall a lack of any energy behind the whole event. By the end of the 44+ minute press conference, some of the excitement I had for a new beginning for the 76ers was drained from my soul.

Obviously this new ownership group is comprised of very smart businessmen who by all accounts will do great things for this organization. Believe me, here at Philadunkia we are praying very hard that Harris & CO. can make the 7-6 relevant to the Philly sports fan again. However, in my opinion, the new era sure did get off to a slow start yesterday.

After the jump, are a few of my notes and key quotes from down at The Palestra on Tuesday…